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How to Update Your California Statement of Information: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you own a business in California—whether it’s a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or nonprofit—you’re required to file a Statement of Information (SOI) with the California Secretary of State (SOS). This document keeps the state updated on critical details about your business, such as its address, registered agent, and key personnel. But what happens when these details change? Maybe you’ve moved offices, appointed a new manager, or switched your registered agent. Failing to update your SOI can lead to penalties, business suspension, or even legal issues.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about changing your California Statement of Information, including when to update it, the step-by-step process, filing methods, fees, and common pitfalls to avoid. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents#

  1. What is a California Statement of Information?
  2. When Do You Need to Update Your SOI?
  3. Step-by-Step Process to Change Your SOI
  4. Filing Methods: Online, Mail, or In-Person
  5. Fees, Processing Times, and Expedited Options
  6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  8. Conclusion
  9. References

What is a California Statement of Information?#

A Statement of Information is a mandatory document filed with the California Secretary of State that discloses up-to-date information about your business. It ensures the public and state agencies have accurate details about who runs the business, where it’s located, and how to contact it.

Who Needs to File?#

  • LLCs: File Form LLC-12 (Statement of Information) biennially.
  • Corporations (for-profit): File Form SI-550 (Statement of Information) annually.
  • Nonprofit corporations: File Form SI-100 (Statement of Information) biennially.
  • Limited partnerships (LPs): File Form LP-12 (Statement of Information).

What Information Does It Include?#

  • Business name and entity number.
  • Principal office address (physical location in California).
  • Mailing address (if different from the principal office).
  • Registered agent name and address (must be a California resident or registered business entity with a California address).
  • Names and addresses of managers, members (for LLCs), directors, or officers (for corporations).

When Do You Need to Update Your SOI?#

You must update your Statement of Information immediately if any of the following change:

  • Principal office address (physical or mailing).
  • Registered agent name or address.
  • Names or addresses of managers, members, directors, or officers.
  • Business purpose (if significantly altered).

Additionally, your initial SOI is due within 90 days of forming or registering your business with the California Secretary of State. After that, even if no changes occur, most businesses must file an SOI within a statutory 6-month filing window based on their formation or registration date. LLCs and nonprofit corporations file biennially (every 2 years), while for-profit corporations file annually (every year). Your specific filing period is determined by your entity’s formation month—see the SOS filing period table for details.

Step-by-Step Process to Change Your SOI#

Updating your SOI is straightforward if you follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify Your Business Type and Correct Form#

First, confirm your business structure to select the right form. All Statement of Information forms are filed online through bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov:

  • LLC: Form LLC-12 (Statement of Information).
  • For-profit corporation: Form SI-550 (Statement of Information).
  • Nonprofit corporation: Form SI-100 (Statement of Information).
  • LP: Form LP-12 (Statement of Information).

Step 2: Gather Required Information#

Collect the updated details you need to report. For example:

  • New principal office address (include street, city, state, ZIP).
  • New registered agent information (name, address, and confirmation that they consent to the role).
  • Updated names/addresses of managers, members, directors, or officers.
  • Your business’s entity number (found on your formation documents or previous SOI).

Step 3: Choose Your Filing Method#

You can file your updated SOI online, by mail, or in person. Online filing is the fastest and most convenient option (see Section 4 for details). Note that your initial SOI is due within 90 days of forming or registering your business.

Step 4: Complete the Form Accurately#

Fill out the form with your updated information. Key tips:

  • Registered agent consent: If changing your registered agent, the new agent must consent to the appointment. For LLCs, use the attachment form LLC-12A; for corporations, use SI-550-A.
  • Signatures: The form must be signed by an authorized person (e.g., member, manager, director, or officer).
  • Entity number: Double-check your business’s entity number to avoid delays.

Step 5: Pay the Filing Fee#

Fees vary by business type (see Section 5 for details). Online payments are made via credit or debit card.

Step 6: Submit the Form and Await Confirmation#

After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation (via email for online filings or mail for paper filings). Keep this document for your records—it proves your SOI was updated.

Filing Methods: Online, Mail, or In-Person#

  • How: Use the California SOS's BizFile Online portal.
  • Pros: Fastest processing, instant confirmation, easy to correct errors.
  • Cons: Requires internet access and a credit/debit card.

2. Mail Filing#

  • How: Complete the form online at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov, then print and mail it to:
    Secretary of State
    Statement of Information Unit
    P.O. Box 944260
    Sacramento, CA 94244-2600
  • Pros: No internet needed for submission.
  • Cons: Slowest processing (several weeks), risk of lost mail.

3. In-Person Filing#

  • How: Visit the SOS office in Sacramento:
    1500 11th Street
    Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Pros: Priority processing over mail filings; expedited options available for an extra fee.
  • Cons: Time-consuming, requires travel to Sacramento.

Fees, Processing Times, and Expedited Options#

Filing Fees (as of 2026; check the SOS website for updates):#

  • LLC (Form LLC-12): $20.
  • For-profit corporation (Form SI-550): $25.
  • Nonprofit corporation (Form SI-100): $20.
  • LP (Form LP-12): $20.

Processing Times#

  • Online: Typically 1–5 business days (check current processing dates for up-to-date estimates).
  • Mail: Several weeks.
  • In-person (drop-off): Priority processing over mail; typically 1–3 business days.

Expedited Processing#

For faster service, the SOS offers expedited filing options:

  • 24-Hour Filing: $350 (online or drop-off in Sacramento).
  • Same-Day Filing: $750 (online or drop-off; must be received by 9:30 a.m.).
  • 4-Hour Filing: $500 (drop-off only; requires preclearance).

See Service Options for full details.

Common Mistakes to Avoid#

  1. Using the wrong form: Filing an LLC form for a corporation (or vice versa) will delay processing.
  2. Incorrect registered agent info: The registered agent must have a physical California address and consent to the role.
  3. Missing signatures: The form must be signed by an authorized person (e.g., a member or director).
  4. Outdated addresses: Failing to update your principal office or mailing address can lead to missed legal notices.
  5. Late filings: Even if no changes occur, missing the biennial/annual filing window can result in penalties assessed by the Franchise Tax Board. The SOS may also suspend or forfeit your entity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)#

Q: Can I update my business name via the Statement of Information?#

A: No. To change your business name, you must file a separate amendment (e.g., LLC-1 Amendment for LLCs or CORP-100 for corporations) and then update your SOI.

Q: What if I don’t update my SOI?#

A: The SOS may suspend or forfeit your business, and the Franchise Tax Board may assess penalties. A suspended business cannot legally operate in California. To reinstate, you must file the missing SOI and resolve any outstanding issues with both the SOS and FTB.

Q: Do I need to notify other agencies after updating my SOI?#

A: Yes! Update the IRS, your bank, business licenses, and any other relevant agencies (e.g., local tax offices) with your new information.

Q: Can I file an SOI update for free?#

A: No. All SOI filings require a fee, even if you’re only updating information.

Conclusion#

Keeping your California Statement of Information updated is critical for maintaining your business’s good standing. Whether you’re moving offices, changing managers, or simply filing your biennial or annual update, following the steps outlined above will ensure a smooth process. Remember: your initial SOI is due within 90 days of formation, and subsequent filings must be made within your statutory 6-month filing window. Timely updates avoid penalties, keep your business compliant, and ensure the state (and public) has accurate information about your company.

References#

2026-07

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